A man wanted for orchestrating a cryptocurrency fraud estimated at ₩17.7 billion (around $12.7 million) was captured in Seoul this week - but not for any high-tech sting. It all began when officers on patrol noticed him casually discarding a cigarette butt near Sillim Station in the Gwanak District and leaving abruptly.

When police stopped him, the fugitive - believed to be in his 60s - refused to produce identification, attempted to flee, and even offered money to avoid arrest .

Further scrutiny confirmed he’d been evading arrest since 2020, following a massive crypto scam that affected approximately 1,300 victims between 2018 and 2019. He now faces charges including fraud and assault across 10 counts .

Sometimes, it's the smallest clues - a flicked cigarette - that unravel the biggest mysteries.